Many species disappear as a result of natural disasters or climate change, just as dinosaurs did. However, human action remains the main cause of extinction. Therefore, there are some species that are kept in captivity in order to be preserved and, perhaps one day, return to their natural habitat. Keep reading and learn more about it.
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Why are animals kept in captivity?
Without having to remove any being from their habitat, captive breeding can keep species alive. As a result, there are exchanges between institutions around the world. Owning collections of animals and plants can be a crucial strategy for the preservation of species. As is the case with the animals that will be mentioned below.
5 species that are kept in captivity
Despite the fact that countless animals no longer exist in our world, reserves and zoos were able to save certain species from extinction. Meet the 3 animals that can only be found in these captivity.
- Milu
The milu, also known as the papal deer, is an almost extinct Chinese deer. Armand David, who sent several specimens to Europe in 185, saved the species (hence its name). The animals were on an imperial reserve where entry without permission was punishable by death.
- Spix's Macaw
This is a Brazilian species believed to be critically endangered and perhaps extinct in the wild. Despite efforts to reintroduce it into forests, there are only around 160 species in captivity, which is very few. It is often confused with the little blue macaw, which is now completely extinct.
- blue tail lizard
This species was discovered in 1886 on Christmas Island. In the year 2002, scientists discovered that yellow crazy ants posed a threat to these reptiles. Subsequently, a program was launched to protect the species. However, it is still extinct in the wild.
- Wyoming toad
The Wyoming toad is extinct in the wild due to human activities such as pesticide use. In this way, it is difficult to increase the population due to the numerous predators in the life of this animal. Its coat can be dark brown, gray or with shades of green and can grow up to 5 cm in length. Males are slightly smaller than females and have small bumps on their toes.
- northeastern curassow
Also known as the Alagoas curassow, it is a shiny black bird that resembles a pheasant. It was originally found in the forests of northeastern Brazil, today in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. Extinct in nature, there are about 130 birds in captivity and there are attempts to reintroduce them into their habitat.